Postdoc in Development and Validation of Novel Multifunctional Neural Interfaces - DTU Electro

If you are establishing your career as scientist and you are looking for the best possible foundation for fulfilling your dreams and ambitions, it is right here in front of you.

At DTU Electro you will break new ground in the development of multifunctional neural interfaces to modulate and record neuronal activity in the central nervous system.

The study and understanding of neuronal circuitry in the brain and spinal cord has greatly benefited from the introduction of light-based approaches such as optogenetics and fiber photometry. This also created a requirement for a new class of neuroimplants able to deliver light to the target anatomical regions while causing minimal inflammation to the tissue. In this project, you will be tasked with contributing to the development of the next generation of such implants, able to interact with neurons through light, electricity and chemical compounds.

Responsibilities and qualifications
Your overall focus will be the development and characterization of multifunctional fibers comprised of waveguides, electrodes and microfluidic channels. You will work with nearby colleagues, and with academic partners in Denmark and abroad.

Your primary tasks will be to:

• Model the optical, mechanical and optoelectronic properties of the fibers using ray tracing and finite element method models;
• Select and characterize soft materials for the fibers, and use them to develop preforms;
• Draw the multifunctional optical fibers based on modified thermal drawing process of multiple materials (e.g. polymers and metals) with strongly different thermomechanical properties;
• Experimentally characterize the optical, mechanical, electrical and fluid delivery properties of the fabricated fibers, as well as connectorized the fibers as interfaces;
• Validate the interfaces functionality in vivo in animal models (rodents).

The required qualifications for the positions are:

• Documented experience with simulation software based on finite element methods (e.g. COMSOL) and ray tracing (e.g. Zemax);
• Documented experience in fiber fabrication in fiber draw towers (silica, soft glass and polymer draw towers), including multimaterial fibers;
• Documented experience working with high power light sources (lasers) and light analysis instruments (e.g. spectrometers, optical spectrum analyzers);
• Documented experience in electrochemical impedance spectroscopy for characterization of electrodes tip impedance;
• Documented experience working with and characterizing microfluidic channels and microtubes for drug delivery in soft tissue (brain);
• Documented experience in in vivo experiments involving craniotomy in rodents, supplemented by a certification in Laboratory Animal Science that allows you to perform such experiments (e.g. FELASA);
• Documented experience with the analysis of electrophysiological data at both the action potential and local field potential levels.

As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent). 

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility. 

Salary and terms of employment
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union.

The period of employment is 1 year.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information 
Further information may be obtained from Christos Markos, <chmar@dtu.dk>. 

You can read more about DTU Electro at https://electro.dtu.dk/.

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark.   

Application procedure 
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 12 October 2025 (23:59 Danish time). Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• Application (cover letter)
• CV
• Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD – in English)
• List of publications 

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.